Tillerson: Trump open to Paris climate deal ‘under the right conditions’

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Sunday suggested President Trump would be open to remaining in the Paris climate deal under the right conditions.

“I think under the right conditions, the president said he’s open to finding those conditions where we can remain engaged with others on what we all agree is still a challenging issue,” he said on CBS’s “Face the Nation.”

Tillerson was asked about a report that the Trump administration is no longer looking to withdraw from the agreement, although Trump announced in June the U.S. would withdraw. 

{mosads}The White House denied the reports and said there hasn’t been any change in the country’s position on the deal.

“As the president has made abundantly clear, the United States is withdrawing unless we can re-enter on terms that are more favorable to our country,” said White House deputy press secretary Lindsay Walters in a statement.

“I think if you recall, the president also said, look, we are willing to work with partners in the Paris climate accord,” Tillerson said Sunday.

“If we can construct a set of terms that we believe is fair and balanced for the American people and recognizes our economy, our economic interests, relative to others, in particular, the second-largest economy in the world, China,” he listed the terms.

Tillerson said the plan is to consider other ways the U.S. can work with global partners in the Paris climate agreement.

“We want to be productive, we want to be helpful,” Tillerson said.